On the Road

All aboard for WWII history at Corpus Christi's USS Lexington Museum

The highly popular Flight Deck shows off 20 vintage aircraft onboard.

Photo courtesy of USS Lexington Museum

One of the longest-serving and most decorated aircraft carriers in the world, the USS Lexington arrived at a Corpus Christi beach in 1992 and has since served as a naval aviation museum, educational facility, and popular area attraction.

More than eight million people have visited the LEX — “The Blue Ghost”— since she opened as a museum. If you plan on going, here are some things to know.

The history of the LEX
Commissioned in 1943, the USS Lexington CV-16 fought in WWII and survived a direct hit from both a torpedo and a kamikaze.

Lexington fought in many battles, including the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. The USS Lexington was also the first foreign aircraft carrier to enter Tokyo Bay.

This ship survived the Second World War and later went on to become a training carrier for thousands of sailors and naval aviators.

What’s on deck
The onboard museum brings the ship’s extraordinary history to life with five tour routes that cover 100,000 square feet and 11 decks.

The highly popular Flight Deck and Hangar Deck include an up-close look at 20 vintage aircraft onboard along with anti-aircraft guns and landing gear.

In the 15-seat flight simulator, you can see a glimpse of what it’s like to be an F/18 pilot and join the training exercise “Screaming Eagles” — a thrilling and dangerous mission.

Additional exhibits include the Pearl Harbor multimedia experience with realistic battle animations, an 8,000-watt sound system, and transducers that shake the walkway with each rumbling explosion.

The Warbirds and Warships scale model gallery is another must-see with more than 440 pieces on display. It’s the largest publicly exhibited model collection in Texas, with pieces from around the globe representing 16 U.S. states and five countries.

A 3-D Mega Theater features a rotating list of immersive showings on three-story-tall screens with thundering digital sound that offer an educational look at the real action of aviation, flight and history.

There are also three escape room missions aboard. Called Lockdown On The LEX, the high-tech and high-intensity experiences might just mess with your mind, shock your senses, and baffle even the most seasoned escape artists.

After all that excitement, you can refuel at the Mess Deck Cafe, so you and your crew can power on.

Learn more about hopping aboard the USS Lexington at Corpus Christi Bay here.

The USS Lexington Museum brings the ship’s extraordinary history to life.

Photo courtesy of USS Lexington Museum

The USS Lexington Museum brings the ship’s extraordinary history to life.

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Hotel News

First Waldorf Astoria resort in Texas to debut in Hill Country destination

Rendering courtesy of IMI Worldwide Properties

The Waldorf Astoria Hill Country will be constructed in Fredericksburg.

A famous hotel chain is opening its first Texas location in the Hill Country — but don't expect a budget stay. The Waldorf Astoria Texas Hill Country is expected to open in 2027.

A release does not share an address, but says the 106-acre property will be located less than a mile from downtown Fredericksburg.

The luxe property will include 60 hotel rooms, 37 multi-bedroom resort villas that may be rented out, and 50 private residences. In addition to lodgings, the resort will contain five food and beverage concepts — an all-day restaurant, a specialty restaurant, a bar and lounge, a pool bar, and a grab-and-go juice bar — a spa, a fitness center, and two pools.

Behind the scenes of this arrangement are Hilton — the Waldorf Astoria's parent company — and Wine Country Hospitality Partners LLC, a partnership between Mark Harmon, Robert Radovan, and Tim Sparapani. The design was handled by Studio CABAN, FAB Studio, TIPLER Group, Studio Outside, and Paul Duesing Partners.

The announcement emphasizes the Hill Country's value for travelers who are interested in visiting wineries and promised "authentically Texan design elements." The residences, ranging from three to five bedrooms, are meant for "celebrating the natural influences of the land" and are already available for reservations.

“Conrad Hilton’s legacy in the hotel business began in Texas more than 105 years ago, and working alongside incredible owners, we’re proud to deliver on Conrad’s vision as we introduce our distinguished luxury hotel and residential portfolio in the destination,” said vice president of luxury & mixed-use development at Hilton Amy King. That's referring to the first hotel the Hilton founder bought in Cisco, followed by the first hotel that bore the Hilton name in Dallas, in 1925.

The original Waldorf Astoria opened in New York in 1893 and became famous for its opulence. It was demolished in 1929 for the construction of the Empire State Building. However, there are now more than 30 Waldorf Astoria properties around the world carrying the same historic reputation for elevated service and accommodations.

Developer Mark Harmon emphasizes that the new resort will belong to Texas and be designed accordingly.

“With Waldorf Astoria Texas Hill Country, we’re drawing upon the unique architecture and history of Fredericksburg to create a new experience that opens this budding wine destination to travelers and future residents," Harmon says, "drawing a spotlight to the area as a whole and all that makes it unique.”

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